Badger

The other option, although could be under 5.Something else, is a 'corporate takeover' by a company example a Red Bull, or Ineos (although neither likely), or Fuson (at Wolves) rather than an individual or Govt fund. 10 years ago I think we'd been horrified at a corporate takeover but now I think most would be open to it, if it was able to make us competitive (even for 8-10th place finishes - although that isn't going to be an attraction to investors). Just hope it isn't another Secure Retirement ! Ideally, would like a mega wealthy kindly benefactor (as per Marcus) but agree with MLG that an individual is unlikely to have sufficient funds at this level.

Think this is the sort of media frenzy and opportunity to become a celeb that would give a cretin like Mike Dean a 'hard on' frankly. Best wait till he takes his 'personality' into the jungle and "I'm a celebrity..". I'll definitely vote for a couple of kangaroos to have the opportunity of eating his testicles.

I know the point you're making and it's a valid one except the nature of many if not most professional footballers is not to show respect to officials - or anyone else - they've been brought up in pampered environment of "me, me, me..." and how good they are, that's all that matters (other than the falsh lifestyles, tattos etc...). This is nothing new, in the 1960's/70's they would swarm around the ref to contest decisions. More recently the Robbie Savage incident of bursting in the refs changing room for a dump before the game... an incident seemingly airbrushed from history since he became a media 'luvvie'. Liverpool in their heyday reportedly froze a ref out after he had the audacity to give a decision against them, refused to look him in the eye or speak to him during a match, even a testimonial he attended where they were playing. Think this was Hanson and Lawrenson's era. As others have said rugby players generally conduct themselves better ('bloodgate' aside). Except this might mean Liverpool/Man Utd being reduced to a five a side team after they surround and berate the ref after a decision is given against them, City even at the Etihad this season even after the penalty/red card was given. Unfortunately such antics sometimes work, whereas our lot meekly accept decisions, did we actively even seek the penalty at Newcastle ?

Remember the Dockers Enclosure, under the old East Stand, the bar open till the start of the second half; most people drinking ( a lot) and those who weren't didn't object to those who were. Some choice language not for the sensitive little flowers of today, and often a hearty sing-song in the second half after a skin full of drink. Happy days.

True, although Grealish might be attracted by the nightlife. Keegan didn't have too much trouble attracting players to Newcastle I recall.

But that's the thing, true supporters don't. Something the people who run the clubs play on and exploit.

That'll do.

Not saying the north is a utopia, god forbid, there are sprawling cesspits galore, but some of the countryside and coast is spectacular.

I've read this is another loophole to be closed. Just as Gao was the last one with some dubious history - but nothing pinned on him - to slip in under the radar before that was amended so we'll probably find that post PIF will be to our cost. Knowing our luck our Texan Oil Magnate/ Austrian Energy Drinks owner/ Former Lymington resident head of a Chemical giant (delete as applicable) will be barred due to an unpaid parking fine. Or, Mike Fucking Dean heading up the Fit & Proper Persons test.

I think Darras Hall has the monopoly on the better players nearby. Shearer could be your neighbour.

Agreed. Very underestimated part of the country. Southampton remains my home town although long since exiled - and I have an attachment to it for that reason - but hand on heart would I want to live there (or surounds) again ? Probably not. Son looked closely at going to Uni in Southampton some years ago, St Mary's of course a great attraction but the trip around the place to be shown the town by the Uni was quite an eye opener. Saw a Police car parked up at one point, and when we got home found out there at been a stabbing !!

Dave Merrington's cover on the forum revealed....

Weren't we linked with him before appointing Puel ? Think he was discounted in the media at least as being considered too old.

We are Saints after all

Found this. Jimmy Greaves debut for West Ham at Man City. Worth seeing for the state of the pitch.

Who do you want to replace Ralph ?

Don't think he has the pace, and he probably also realises it.

Bednarek looked to have taken the art of using your body strength from the Vestergaard textbook on defending, and when it came to tackling both were left looking at shadows. Good job we've got 'The Gorilla' biding his time to sort our defensive frailties out. According to his social media anyway.

Cheer up, perhaps Leicester will offer us £25m for Bednarek in January.

Serious question, but why was he regarded as a bit of a cult hero ? Both then, and now.

Found it: Obviously from a Port Vale slant but a good watch none the less. The assault leading to the red card makes the Oscar Goburn/Alexander Jankewic challenges the stuff of pussies. I remember the Vale games as a bit of a turning point as the draw at The Dell was played in a pretty hostile atmosphere with a lot of simmering resentment towards Branfoot boiling over. There was a protest in the car park afterwards, and it was as I recall packed. Not just the young hot heads but a lot of older grey haired season ticket holders who'd come to the end of their tether. Not seen anything like it before or since, even in the Lowe/Wilde days. I think Branfoot was gone a few days later and when the replay came round, Chatterley was in charge (possibly jointly with Merrington). Alan Ball was appointed soon after.

Bit of finishing practice going on at Staplewood this week:

"Southampton's a beautiful city ... reminds me of Miami ... " Can't we hire this bloke for a promotional video to bring in a new owner ?

Some very familiar comments in there. Good job for us they didn't do their research on this board or we'd still have him here. Appears he's found his form there which isn't up to his 3-4 month purple patch he had with us.

Convenient really as that's when we know to switch off, or at least expect the team to.